Reconstruction works on the middle section of metro line M3 began more than half a year ago. Demolition is still taking place at the deep-core stations in the city center, but the construction process can already be observed, as the once space-consuming equipment is being replaced by new, smaller, modern systems, and new areas are being built to suit their size.
Works at Arany János utca and Ferenciek tere metro stations has been going on since March. Escalator structures were dismantled at both sites, leaving only one flight of stairs in place, providing pedestrian traffic between the platform level and the surface. At the Arany János utca station, the temporary staircase has already been built, which will serve both the ascent and descent in the future, therefore the last escalator structure can be demolished. In Ferenciek tere, preparations are still underway for the construction of a metal-structured staircase. Injection tasks are performed in the main ventilation rooms of both stations, which is a special method of waterproofing. Wetness that have appeared over many years are treated in this way, for example, in some places, synthetic resin is introduced into the wall structure through the formed holes, which improves the waterproofing ability of the concrete slabs.
Reconstruction at the Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Klinikák stations began in July. The demolition of the escalator structures is still in progress, most of the cladding has already disappeared from the walls and ceilings, and at the level below the platform, the main ventilator is being dismantled to pieces so that the huge old structure can be transported. Currently, fresh air enters the station area through long, elastic pipes. A temporary power supply is also being built in Corvin-negyed. Structural work is underway at both sites, outlining the size and layout of the new premises.
The construction of the elevator shaft and the connecting tunnel of the Deák Ferenc tér metro station is also taking place in Erzsébet tér for half a year, using a special tunnel construction method. The 16-meter-deep shaft – originally created for the National Theater, which was once designed here – has already been fully opened and works has been continued by using mining method for another 10 meters. A tunnel is currently being built on the connecting corridor, which will connect the surface to the passenger area.
Click HERE for pictures, and HERE for the video summary!
Photos: Bence Horváth
Video: Júlia Vincze
